how to pint the mics on drums?

[14yearoldkid]

how should i point my two sm-57's on my drumset as overheads for the best sound?

 

[Mark7]

Oh thank God. You bought a new keyboard.

Anyhoo, the drums.

With only two mics you'd be better off maybe using one as an overhead and one as a kick mic. Yes; it's mono but, iirc, you're recording on a four track anyway and stereo drums would be a bit of an unnecessary luxury (imho).

As regards placement have the drummer play, walk around the kit and listen then stick the first mic where it sounds good (you're looking for a good balance between the various elements of the kit here). Then take the other SM57 and stick it in the Kick. Again moving it around while the drummer plays (just the kick in this case) until you get as close as possible to what you're looking for.

 

[14yearoldkid]

i am the drummer

i am teh drummer

 

[Mark7]

Then either have someone else walk around you whilst you play until they find the place it sounds good and stick one of the SM57s there; or Just have it pointing over your shoulder towards the Snare and Kick.

 

[Mark7]

Oh and for the Kick mic. If you have someone to act as an assistant get them to position the Kick mic whilst you play or position it yourself then listen over a pair of cans whilst you play the Kick. If it sounds good leave it alone, if not re-position it. You might also need to add some low end using the EQ on the 4 Track.